[byersg]

We have just got a new puppy she is a west highland white terrier she is 10wks.we have noticed she eats her poo if we don't catch her quickly and ideas why this is

[vonnieron]

We also had a puppy that used to do this - when we asked the vet about it he told us that it was because he could still smell the *food* and he would grow out of it, which he did.
I know its not very nice to see them do this but the vet was right and he did stop doing it eventually.

[joypulv]

At 10 weeks she should be going outside and you can walk her on a leash, away from her poop.

[Cat1864]

Unfortunately, my favorite article on Coprophagia doesn't seem to be available.

No one knows why dogs eat their feces. It seems there are several suggested reasons that range from puppy behavior they grow out of to stress relief or fear of being punished for defecating. Malnutrition from parasites is another possible cause.

If she is up to date on her vaccinations and worming, then it probably is puppy behavior. Whether she is copying what she saw Mom doing or got into the habit through play and exploration, she could outgrow it.

Make certain that you give her lots of praise and appropriate toys/treats when she uses the potty where you want her to, then clean up as quickly as you can. I do not recommend that you praise her while you pick up her feces though. If she is like my dog she could decide to help. (It's only slightly funny when the Doberman gets the paper towels and tries to 'pick up' a stool with the whole roll.) If you see her about to potty in the house, say 'no' in a firm voice and pick her up taking her to where you do want her to potty. If you find a mess later, don't scold. She won't understand what you are upset about. Clean the area as thoroughly as you can with an enzyme cleaner that will eliminate the scent. Make certain she is taken out more often and kept out until she potties.

Another possible contributing factor is thought to be that they don't distinguish feces from their food. There are commercial products that can be added to her food that will make her feces taste bad to her. Other people have had good results with adding a small amount of crushed pineapple or meat tenderizer (most of them are made with pineapple enzymes) to the dog's food to change the taste of the feces.

Teaching your puppy "leave it" and using the command to keep her from going back to her feces can help give you time to clean up and get temptation out of the way.

[byersg]

Yes we under stand this but as she hasn't completed all her jags as yet then she isn't allowed out side but thanks anyway.

[byersg]

Thanks for your kind words

[byersg]

Thanks for your advice we will try your suggestion regarding her food

[Alty]

Another school of thought as to why some dogs eat their feces, is that in nature, dogs are hunters. To avoid being detected by their prey, they eat their feces.

Most dogs will outgrow this behavior when they live with their human family long enough. For those that don't outgrow it many can be taught to stop doing it. Of course the more diligent you are at picking up after your dog, the less chances she will have to eat her feces, so pick up after your dog ever time she potties. No poo to eat means no eating the poo. ;)